Seasonal Spotlight on Cranberries

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Cranberries most often are featured on the Thanksgiving table, but there's so much more to the cold weather berry than cranberry sauce. Fresh cranberries have a bright, sour-tart flavor that makes a great addition to seasonal fare.

Harvested from mid-September through mid-November in North America, cranberries can be found in grocery stores and farmers markets through mid-winter. Pick firm, deep red cranberries. Sticky, discolored cranberries are probably past their peak, so you'll want to avoid those.

Much heartier than summer berries, fresh cranberries (stored unwashed) can last for up to a few months in the fridge. And if you freeze them, cranberries can last for a few years. To freeze, spread fresh cranberries out on a sheet pan and place in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, store the cranberries in a freezer-safe bag (freezing initially on a sheet pan prevents clumping).

All the flavors of fall come together in this parfait; a light breakfast perfect for Thanksgiving morning or day after. Plus, we’re confident that you’ll find other uses for the cranberry-citrus jam (looking at you, leftover Thanksgiving biscuits).

The base of this seasonal cocktail is homemade cranberry vodka, which you’ll want to prepare a few days in advance. While you’re at it, start making the sugared cranberry garnish; these soak in a simple syrup overnight, which you’ll want to save for future cocktails.

Cheesecakes are known for being temperamental – they can crack if overbaked or if you open the door of the oven while they bake. Not only does the cranberry compote balance out the rich white chocolate flavor, but it can cover up any unsightly cracks.

Traditionally, the shaved ice texture of granitas is made by scraping the frozen mixture by hand. But if you’re tight on time, try pulsing the frozen base in a blender to get a similar result. And then, turn these into mocktails: add some of the cranberry granita to lemon-lime soda instead of vodka.

During the holidays or family gatherings, the adults sip on wine or cocktails and the kids drink juice, but my 7-year-old son complained that he wanted something more (and I refuse to buy soda). That’s how this cranberry spritzer was born.

Instead of buying overpriced flowers and gifts, cook up a tasty treat for your special someone. Serve these as a special dessert, give them away to friends, or pack some in your little ones' lunchboxes.

A smart eater has a healthy breakfast on the morning of the big feast. Skipping it will just leave you overly hungry and primed to overeat (even more) come dinnertime. Here are some lightweight breakfast choices that will tide you over.